By U.S. Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill
Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL
HARBOR – A 2013 Midlothian High School graduate and Arlington,
Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy
aboard one of the Navy’s newest attack submarines, the USS North Carolina.
Fireman Colin Staton is a machinist's
mate (non-nuclear, submarine auxiliary) aboard the Pearl Harbor-based
boat, one of only 12 Virginia-class attack submarines in the Navy’s fleet. The Virginia class is comprised of the Navy’s
newest and most advanced subs.
A Navy machinist's mate is responsible for operating, repairing and
maintaining auxiliary systems on the submarine.
“The most
interesting aspect of my job is making oxygen,”
Staton said. “We use high voltage electrolysis to shock water and split the atoms to
make it.”
With a
crew of 130, this submarine is 377 feet long and weighs approximately 7,800
tons. A nuclear-powered propulsion
system helps push the submarine through the water at more than 25 mph.
Attack submarines are designed to hunt down
and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with
cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth,
operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.
“Submarine sailors never cease to amaze
me with their ability to complete complex missions in the world’s most
challenging environments,” said Rear Adm. Fritz Roegge, Commander, Submarine
Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Continued U.S. undersea superiority is not possible
without their dedication, expertise and professionalism.”
According
to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines,
personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners
are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The
training is highly technical, and each crew has to be able to operate,
maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also
has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies
to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold
or silver dolphins on their uniform.
“Everyone on this ship is driven to excel and to make
the new people better workers and individuals,” said Staton.
Challenging
submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew,
Navy officials explained. The crews are
highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work,
watches, and drills.
“The Navy to me has meant quality of life improvement,
personal improvement, and opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and
experience new things,” Staton said.